Starry Night

Picked this up at the library because I have this weird holiday themed masochistic side that comes out to play at the end of every year. It's like my subconscious purposely looks for the most trope-tastic, ridiculous stories it can find. It's also why I get sucked into the black hole of TV otherwise known as the Hallmark channel (at least there there's an opportunity for an actor to save a role, a plot or even a whole movie).

I have to wonder if this book would have been better had it been told from the point of view of the dog. Because for the life of me, I couldn't figure out why or even how the two stereotypical characters managed to fall in love in less than 48 hours. Not just lust but absolute love. Then later, another 48 hours around Thanksgiving. Which of course leads to an argument and someone looking for excuses and then running away. Basically what happens in every Hallmark movie when there's about 20 minutes left. Maybe Hennessy the dog (who I chose to believe was named after a brand of cognac, not some family member) could have given us some insight into it all. If I had been given that, I might have given this more stars.

When this book was marked 50% off, I decided it was a good time to try Debbie Macomber out. I enjoyed the story, which has a bit of a feel of the sweet Hallmark style Christmas stories, and appreciated the absence of steamy sex scenes. I will definitely consider reading other books by her in the future.

As the leaves are starting to fall, are you ready to start your stack of books for hibernation months? What I mean is the months when it gets a chill in the night air no matter where you are or perhaps you want to imagine that romantic white Christmas since you will not have the snow. Either way, add this to the pile. To those days when life is completely chaotic and getting away from you and it seems there will never be a break or to be fully accomplished on your to-do list, this is a relaxation read. If you know me at all, you know things have been up and down lately and this week is no exception with sick girls and a bit of a cold myself and I thought I would never get everything done. While I still have one more review to come, and this one is much later in the day than I would wish it is still in plenty of time for you to add it to your lists to pre-order for this Christmas season. Honestly this could be a great Thanksgiving read, or just anytime.

Debbie Macomber has a way with storytelling. Her series are wonderful such as Blossom Street, but her Christmas novellas are worth every penny and something I look forward to each year since I first discovered her books. Starry Night is about magic, and that magic is called love. This story is enough to give anyone hope and a wistful feeling, but it is more than that especially to me. When I met my husband it was just automatic for us, and we never really planned dates or to go out again as such – it was always just what do you want to do Friday, etc. Then after a few months when we really made it official to be his girlfriend, I went out of town for over four weeks. So in reading this story, about after spoiler Finn and Carrie meet, and their two days together end with a kiss to be divided by a great distance, I felt it... I could completely relate to the hopes and dreams but unsure feelings.

Every book I read from Debbie Macomber comes off the page and this one is no surprise. Definitely a recommendation from this reading romantic.

I received this product free for the purpose of reviewing it. I received no other compensation for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my personal, honest opinions. Your experience may vary. Please read my full disclosure policy for more details.